Darren Archibald Notches First NHL Point

Darren Archibald has scored his first NHL point tonight (November 2, 2013) against the Toronto Maple Leafs as a member of the Vancouver Canucks. Archibald assisted on Dan Hamhuis's third period goal to register his first assist and point as a Canuck. He made his NHL debut last week against the St. Louis Blues and has played four games since.

Darren was a star player with the Richmond Hill Rams in the league's inaugural season of 2006-07. He scored the first goal in league history back in 2006 against the King Wild.

After a season in Richmond Hill, Archibald moved OJHL's Stouffville Spirit before eventually advancing to the Barrie Colts of the OHL.

Darren has been in Vancouver's development system since signing a contract in 2010. He has split time between the Kalamazoo Wings ECHL and Chicago Wolves AHL for the past two seasons. On October 25th, 2013, he received the call and dressed in the Vancouver Canucks lineup.

What is truly remarkable about Darren's journey to the NHL is the determination and resilience he has demonstrated on the way. Darren's story is the model example a player that have been overlooked through all levels of hockey, but through nothing more than strong work ethic, has made astounding accomplishments.

Archibald was not drafted from minor hockey during his first year of eligibility to the OHL in 2006.

At the age of 16, Darren joined the GMHL with the Rams with the goal of making the OHL come season's end; he was not drafted after the season.

It wasn't until he was 18 years old in 2008, in his third year of draft eligibility, that the Barrie Colts took a chance and drafted him with their 7th round draft pick.  To put this in perspective, this should of been Darren's NHL draft year. He was not drafted to the NHL that year nor any year after.

After amassing 174 points in 186 OHL games, Darren picked up a minor league contract with the Vancouver Canucks.

Archibald, a native of Newmarket, ON, is considered a budding power forward at 6'3" and weighing 210lbs. He is now touted as one of the Canuck's top prospects.

Well done, Darren, the GMHL is proud to support you and would like to congratulate you on scoring your first NHL point!